Health News: Chocolate Doesn't Make You Fat, When We Lie the Most, and More

What have we gleaned from the latest research? That we've got to get more sleep.

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Mar 24, 2014

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The Verdict Is In: Chocolate Is Good for You
...in moderation. Not only is chocolate not fattening, but European researchers report that in their study of 1,458 teens, eating a lot of it was associated with lower levels of body fat. The secret? Chocolate is high in catechins, plant compounds that may increase insulin sensitivity — helping to keep weight down. But catechins don't turn the treat into a diet food: Best to limit yourself to one ounce a day.

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Turns Out Time of Day Is a Good Lie Detector
If you want the truth, ask in the morning. In a series of experiments at Harvard, people were far more likely to lie (as well as cheat) in the afternoon. Resisting unethical behavior takes energy, the researchers say, so as the day wears on, self-control sags along with one's pep.

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Doctor's Orders: Sleep More
If you skimp on shut-eye during the week (and who doesn't?), that weekend nap or snooze-in is not a luxury — it's a necessity. Following six days of six-hour sleep sessions, study volunteers at Penn State not only were wiped out, but also had higher blood levels of heart-risky inflammatory chemicals. After two 10-hour nights, their drowsiness levels and inflammatory markers returned to normal. Their focus, however, did not recover. So don't bank on catch-up rest if sleepiness is impairing your attention span; get more zzz's Monday through Friday before doing fine-motor tasks (a home mani, say) or high-concentration activities (like driving).

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And The Most Effective Birth Control Is...
Long-term forms of birth control — IUDs (effective for five to 10 years) and contraceptive implants (up to three years) — have a reputation for initially causing heavy periods. Yet 77% of women who try these reversible devices are still using them two years later, a large study has found. Since an accidental pregnancy is 20 times less likely to occur with these methods than with patches or pills, consider them a first choice, advise researchers from Washington University in St. Louis.

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Why Brushing Your Teeth Isn't Enough
Adding tongue-cleaning to your daily brushing regimen cuts bad breath by 75%, while brushing your teeth only reduces it by 45%, according to one study. That's why some doctors recommend using a tongue scraper in addition to your regular brushing and flossing. Besides, your tongue is where the bacteria collects: "Living-without-oxygen bacteria will collect in the back part of the tongue," dentist Richard H. Price, an American Dental Association consumer adviser, told Good Housekeeping.